Francis Coquelin relishing 'fight' for regular game time in Arsenal midfield after Granit Xhaka's arrival

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Sam Long18 July 2016

Francis Coquelin is relishing the increased competition for places in Arsenal's midfield next season after Granit Xhaka's arrival at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsene Wenger moved quickly to secure Xhaka's signature prior to the start of Euro 2016, where the Switzerland international impressed, despite missing a penalty in his nation's last-16 shoot-out defeat against Poland.

Xhaka operates in a central midfield role and, given that the 23-year-old cost around £33.8m, is expected to feature prominently for the Gunners next term.

Regular game time for Xhaka would put Coquelin's place in jeopardy, with Santi Cazorla, Mohamed Elneny, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere all vying for one of two central spots in Wenger's preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.

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But Coquelin, who made 26 Premier League appearances last term, is determined not to shy away from the challenge his teammates will provide.

"We're playing for Arsenal Football Club. There's always going to be great players around the club," he told the club's official website.

"Everybody needs to be ready for it. We're going to have a good fight.

"It's a positive fight for everybody one. It's going to take the best out of every one of us," he added.

Coquelin played against former Borussia Mönchengladbach captain Xhaka in the Europa League during a loan spell at Freibrug earlier in his career and believes his new colleague will fit in well in north London.

"We know we are going to sign quality players and I think he is one," insisted the Frenchman. "He's going to add quality to the team and that's a good thing.

"I've seen him in the Euros. He's a good passer of the ball, he's strong, good in the air.

"He's going to add quality and strength to the squad and it's a good thing," Coquelin added.

Xhaka is one of just two players to be purchased by Wenger during the transfer window, with the other being relatively unknown Japanese striker Takuma Asano, who cried after making his final appearance for Sanfrecce Hiroshima earlier this week.

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